Tierra non grata II
tierra
noun, feminine (plural: tierras f)—
· land n
· earth n
· ground n
· soil n
non grata
· not approved
· unwelcome
Based on the controversial deal signed between EU and Turkey in 2016, I have decided to undergo an opposite route that usually migrants take. I have travelled from Czechia, Prague to Turkey, Istanbul by bus. Therefore, I have been travelling from a safe country based in the EU via Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria and finally, Turkey. The journey has been approximately a week long. When finally arrived at a residency in Helikon Art center, I have been placed in a very DIY environment and have decided to collect it, scan it, photograph it to understand it further. One conversation with the owners I will never forget. Turkish citizens don’t have much of a choice when travelling abroad. Relationships with EU are problematic. “They don’t want us.” The owner said. Me as a privileged Slovak citizen being able to travel the world asked, what have we done wrong?
And so, I have been collecting the items mostly connected to the soil (dirt, roots, coal, stones) with an exception of New York Times newspaper found in one of the owner’s shoes installation. I have been gathering the unwanted soil to understand and find an answer to the question - what have we done wrong?
Site-specific installation, drawings, piece of canvas, blanket, coal, shells, stones, marble pieces, found New York times newspapers placed in a glass bottle, dirt, 2024
